$48,142Average Value$42Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
New homes and schools are helping revitalize Merill
Merill is a residential neighborhood in northwestern Flint. Anchored by a central greenspace at Sarvis Park and surrounded by numerous other parks, the neighborhood has grappled with the effects of deindustrialization. But things are gradually reversing course. The community's efforts to revitalize have been noticeable in its recently remodeled homes and brand-new schools.
Many of the overhang homes in Merill have been recently updated to modern standards.
Local kids love the colorful playground at Sarvis Park.
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Low-cost homes for owner occupants and investors
Over the last few years, investors have set their sights on Merill's low price points for homes. The neighborhood sees a median single-family home price of $25,000, mostly driven by investment properties. Some are sold as "HUD homes," meaning their buyers – typically owner occupants – purchase the property from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But most of these properties need some TLC, whether it be for light cosmetic work or intensive structural repairs. Remodeling projects have led to an increased supply of move-in ready single-family homes, mostly Craftsman cottages and second story overhangs. Buyers looking for a move-in ready home typically pay between $60,000 and $95,000. Most investors pay between $15,000 and $40,000 for a property in need of repairs.
Many homes in south Merill were developed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Smaller cottages in Merill can sell for as low as $15,000.
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Two brand-new STEM academies
Public schools in Flint use a school choice system, meaning students can apply to attend any school in the city. Most students in Meril begin at Brownell STEM Academy, rated D by Niche, then age up to Holmes STEM Middle School Academy, currently unrated. Both schools share the same campus and are some of the newest in the district, with leaders cutting the ribbon on numerous upgrades in late 2024, including new playgrounds, athletic fixtures and early childhood classrooms. By seventh grade, most students begin attending the Northwestern Preparatory Academy, rated D-minus. Southwestern Classical Academy, rated C, is where most students finish their last four years of school. Although some parents send their children to charter schools found throughout the area, such as FLEX High School, rated C-minus.
Brownell STEM Academy features a large play area behind the school for student recess.
Holmes STEM Academy offers studies for junior high students in Flint.
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Quiet fishing holes and playgrounds
Residents can walk or drive to several parks in and around the neighborhood. Sarvis Park is the neighborhood's central green space, offering a large open field with soccer nets, basketball courts for pickup games and a playground for after school meetups. McClellan Park's playground is slightly larger than Sarvis Park's, but it's also not as protected by trees from the sounds of passing cars on Pasadena Avenue. Flink Park Lake, a popular fishing hole, is perhaps the quietest park nearby to explore.
Many of the local residents cut through McCLellan Park to access back streets.
Flint Park Lake features a pavilion where you can hang out.
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Easy trips to Clio Road restaurants and shopping centers
Clio Road serves as the neighborhood’s main commercial strip. Residents usually head that way to visit Hallwood Plaza to do some shopping, pick up a prescription or grab a bite to eat. Hallwood Plaza’s storefronts include an assortment of clothing stores and eateries like Moni’s Hibachi, a popular takeout option. Closer to the neighborhood, Clio Road’s dining options include an assortment of chains, some regional to Michigan, like Big John Steak & Onion. For groceries, most residents shop from Mr. B’s Supermarket on Stewart Avenue.
Merill shoppers looking for retail options can head northeast to Hallwood Plaza.
Big John Steak & Onion is a popular lunch stop in Merill for mouthwatering subs.
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Walkable and transit-friendly
Getting around the neighborhood isn't too hard without a car. Most residential streets have sidewalks, and all major roads surrounding the neighborhood have bus routes providing connections across the city. Traffic is also not much of an issue, although midday and rush hour slowdowns can occur at major intersections.
Pipe replacements nearing completion, plus skewed crime data
In 2009, Merill had the most aggravated assaults of any neighborhood in the city. According to FBI data, the rate of aggravated assaults citywide has declined since 2012. While interventions by police and community associations have helped reduce crime, it is still somewhat of an issue in Merill. The neighborhood has a CAP Index score of 4, which is on par with the national average. However, lower rates of property crime are offset by high rates of violent crime, skewing the data somewhat. In 2014, Flint residents saw dangerous levels of lead enter their tap water due to improper water treatment measures. By 2016, city water met federal safety requirements, and construction crews began to replace outdated pipes. As of February of 2025, the push to replace all contaminated pipes in the city is nearing completion with assistance from the state government. However, the Environmental Protection Agency still recommends residents use a water filter in the interim.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Merill, Flint sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Merill, Flint over the last 12 months is $25,000, down 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this move-in ready 1,137 sq. ft. home, offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bath. Natural, freshly refinished hardwood floors flow beautifully throughout the main level, while the kitchen features durable vinyl plank flooring and the upstairs loft bedroom is finished with cozy carpet—perfect for a private retreat. The large basement provides plenty of space for storage or future
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
